The determinetruth Podcast

THIS EPISODE In this episode, Rob (note the new mic and improved sound quality for Rob) and Vinnie address Paul's appeal in Colossians 3-4 to the church in Colosse to live in accordance with their new life in the kingdom! Paul begins by saying, "Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ . . ." (and they have), then live this way! Colossians 3 is critical to understand for the life of God's pe...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie dive into Colossians 1–2, exploring the heart of the problem Paul was addressing in Colossae. They discuss the meaning of baptism and the question of infant baptism, and reflect on what to do when we realize our beliefs may not align with Jesus and the Kingdom. They also wrestle with how to engage fellow Christians who advocate for war and violence—views that seem t...

THIS EPISODE In this episode, Rob and Vinnie examine Colossians 1:15-20. They examine how this beautiful poem is constructed to help us understand its meaning. What is the New Creation, and how is Christ the Firstborn over it?  And you gotta see what Vinnie is wearing. Okay, we know you can "see" but you'll still find out!    FOLLOW THE PODCAST Subscribe to be notified of our new episodes (each Mo...

THIS EPISODE In this episode, Rob and Vinnie kick off their journey through Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae. They explore the striking similarities between Colossians and Ephesians and discuss the possible reasons behind this overlap. Together, they ask, “Where exactly was Colossae?” and “Why does its location matter for interpreting this letter?” The episode also delves into the so-called...

THIS EPISODE In this urgent conversation, Rob and Danny discuss the deepening immigration crisis in the US with Prof Russell Jeung, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, and professor at San Francisco State University. As ICE detains and deports individuals, including some with legal status, fear is gripping immigrant and minority communities across the nation. In this conversation, they’ll explore the ra...

THIS EPISODE In this special edition episode, Rob and Danny interview Prof Ross Wagner to discuss the present situation in Israel and Gaza and to ask, "What should the church be doing?" This episode is the audio version of a live stream that can be found on the Determinetruth YouTube channel under the Playlist " Israel-Gaza War. "    FOLLOW THE PODCAST Subscribe to be notified of our new episodes...

THIS EPISODE In this episode, Rob and Vinnie sit down with Werner Mischke and Kristin Caynor to explore Ephesians 2 and the radical claim that Jesus is not only the peacemaker between God and humanity, but between all people. We unpack the biblical concept of glory as relational beauty and consider what it means to be God’s image bearers in a divided world. Kristin and Werner argue that true glory...

THIS EPISODE In this episode, Rob and Vinnie sit down with Werner Mischke and Kristin Caynor to explore Ephesians 2 and the radical claim that Jesus is not only the peacemaker between God and humanity, but between all people. We unpack the biblical concept of glory as relational beauty and consider what it means to be God’s image bearers in a divided world. Kristin and Werner argue that true glory...

  THIS EPISODE In this episode, Rob & Vinnie complete their overview of Philippians. They address Paul's exhortation to "be anxious for nothing" and discuss whether or not those who struggle with anxiety are in sin. They also look at Phil 4:13 and ask if this verse applies universally or if the context suggests a more limited application.     FOLLOW THE PODCAST Subscribe to be notified of our...

THIS EPISODE "Who is the true Israel?" in Philippians 3? Though this may seem like a secondary issue, Rob and Vinnie suggest that it is critical to understand because it relates to the very mission that God has called us to.      FOLLOW THE PODCAST Subscribe to be notified of our new episodes (each Monday).  Want to help us expand the Gospel of the Kingdom? Leave a review, “like” the podcast, or s...

THIS EPISODE To what extent are we to imitate Jesus? Rob and Vinnie dive into Philippians 2:6–11—the powerful Christ Hymn! While contemplating its profound Christological implications, they explore its missional call for believers to imitate Christ’s self-emptying love. They unpack how Jesus' journey from humiliation to exaltation shapes not only our understanding of who He is, but also how we’re...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie begin part 1 of a look at the Christ Hymn (Phil 2:6-11) by discussing the context in which the hymn appears (2:1-5). In this passage, Paul exhorts them to be unified. But what does this mean for us today? The Church is so deeply divided; is it possible to bring unity? And what is our role?    Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wher...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie kick off an overview of the book of Philippians by diving into chapter 1. They explore what it means when Paul says that "God will complete a good work in you"—does this imply we have no role in our spiritual growth? They also tackle Paul's surprising response to those preaching the Gospel from impure motives: Why doesn’t he rebuke them? And what about the afterlife...

In this introductory episode on the book of Philippians, Rob and Vinnie explore the historical and cultural background of the city of Philippi. They discuss Lydia—the first convert in Europe—and how her prominence and hospitality supported Paul and Silas in their mission. The episode also unpacks the significance of Philippi as a Roman colony and how that shaped the dynamics of power, status, and...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie discuss Paul's exhortation to put on the "full armor of God" and spiritual warfare. They explore it through several lenses, beginning with the biblical narrative of the kingdom of God versus the kingdoms of the world. They emphasize that Satan wages war through deception, and believers are called to respond with the truth of God’s Word. The conversation also delves...

So what does Paul say about wives submitting to husbands? And does the Bible endorse slavery? In this episode, Rob and Vinnie explore the household code and Paul's central message to the Ephesians congregation. In doing so, Paul adapted the Roman household code, which was very patriarchal, in light of the Christian ethic and the central command to "Be imitators of God" and "walk in love."  Here is...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie continue to provide an overview of the book of Ephesians. They explore the issue of Predestination and Free Will (finally solving this long-held debate). They also lay a foundation for understanding Ephesians in light of the great storyline of God's work in creation. They stress how Ephesians is an exhortation to live in accord with the work that God has done.  Plea...

In this first episode of our series on Ephesians, Rob and Vinnie explore why Ephesians might be the greatest of all Paul’s letters. We dive into Paul’s powerful use of “In Christ” language, unpacking its significance for understanding the message of Ephesians. We also provide an overview of Paul’s argument in the letter, setting the stage for deeper exploration in future episodes. This is a great...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie explore the realities of religious trauma and spiritual abuse—how they manifest, their lasting impact, and why so many have been hurt by the very place meant to offer healing. We discuss how the church has too often been a source of harm rather than refuge and what it truly means to be a place of restoration and grace. What does a Christ-centered response to spiritu...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie interview NT scholar Sandra Glahn to discuss her book  Nobody's Mother . Sandra argues that understanding the historical, archaeological, and inscriptional evidence relating to Artemis provides a critical backdrop to Paul's letter to Timothy and his exhortation that wives should not be teaching their husbands because Adam was made first and Eve sinned first, and to...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie sit down again with Bernard Emerson to discuss his work in starting a multi-ethnic church in Oakland, CA. We explore the challenges and joys of blending two congregations from different racial backgrounds, the role of the church in addressing race and justice, and what it takes to build a truly inclusive faith community. Join us for a powerful conversation on unity,...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie sit down with Bernard Emerson to discuss his work in starting a multi-ethnic church in Oakland, CA. We explore the challenges and joys of blending two congregations from different racial backgrounds, the role of the church in addressing race and justice, and what it takes to build a truly inclusive faith community. Join us for a powerful conversation on unity, recon...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie conclude their overview of Galatians and look into Galatians 6. They discuss what the household of God's people (the church) is supposed to look like and what Galatians means for them.  Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast. Then sha...

Rob and Vinnie dive into Galatians 5, exploring the contrast between the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. They discuss how Paul’s list of sinful behaviors was meant to be viewed collectively rather than as isolated wrongs, challenging the Galatians' sense of superiority over others. Paul’s emphasis on the fruit of the Spirit wasn’t about rigid moralism but about the freedom found in...

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie discuss Galatians 5 and the Fruit of the Spirit. They address questions such as: "What if I stumble and live according to the deeds of the Flesh?: "Doesn't it say that if we live according to the flesh we will not inherit the kingdom?" In this first discussion of the Fruit of the Spirit, Rob and Vinnie examine the Fruit of the Spirit in light of Paul's message to th...